Thu | Mar 28, 2024

They should not wait to right the wrong

Published:Thursday | December 1, 2022 | 12:09 AM

THE EDITOR, Madam:

Re: Shepherd: Jamaica has grounds to press wealthy UK MP for reparations

I am so impressed by the work of The University of the West Indies so far, with pressing for reparations. I am also hoping that CARICOM can become more proactive in representing this cause and bringing this case. Interestingly, I also recently consulted the Lord God on this matter. Oh yes, I did. It is a serious matter to my mind when I see what this inhumanity has done to our region.

When Israel left Egypt after so many years in slavery, He did not allow them to leave empty-handed. Before He buried their oppressor, God allowed Israel to see their enemy (Pharoah) bless them. I would hope that the UK and Europe will see that they need to make restitution. There are many other grounds on which our cause can be based, but I am hoping that reparation will be made on moral and just grounds.

I have much interest in seeing the development on a point of law. There can be no statute of limitation on murder and human rights violations. The defence of the lawfulness of slavery will not hold. An unjust law is no law. If now that due process has revealed the very nature of the liability and it cannot be denied, they should not wait to right the wrong.

If CARICOM needs to litigate or begin the debate, let us do it, our descendants need for it to happen. “I had fainted unless I believe to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.”

CHARMAINE SMITH